Korean Convenience Stores: More Useful Than You Think | Part 2

Missed Part 1? Read Korean Convenience Stores: What to Eat & Try | Part 1

If you read Part 1, you already know that Korean convenience stores are great places to find ramyeon, quick meals, drinks and snacks.

But food is only part of the story.

When you're traveling in Korea, a convenience store can sometimes help with things you might not expect.

Need cash? Looking for basic medicine late at night? Wondering how to pay?

Here are a few things worth knowing.

5. Some convenience stores have ATMs

Need cash while traveling?

You may find an ATM inside or right next to a Korean convenience store.

This can be convenient when you're already out exploring and don't want to search for a bank.

But there's one important thing for international travelers:

Not every ATM will necessarily work with every foreign card.

Look for international card network logos on the ATM, and check the screen for foreign-language options before trying to withdraw cash.

Fees and withdrawal limits can also depend on the ATM and your card issuer.

6. You can buy some basic medicines

This one can be particularly useful if you're traveling late at night.

Certain registered stores in Korea can sell a limited selection of designated over-the-counter medicines (안전상비의약품) without a pharmacy.

These include selected products for things such as fever and pain, cold symptoms, indigestion and pain-relief patches.

However, this doesn't mean that Korean convenience stores are mini pharmacies.

Only specifically designated medicines can be sold, and only stores that meet the requirements and are registered to sell them can do so.

So if you suddenly need something simple late at night, it's worth checking a nearby convenience store.

For anything more serious — or if you're unsure which medicine you need — a pharmacy or medical professional is still the better option.

7. Card payment is common — but check before you tap

Paying by card is extremely common in Korea, including at convenience stores.

Some payment terminals also support contactless payment, allowing compatible cards, smartphones or smartwatches to be tapped instead of inserted.

But international travelers shouldn't assume that every card or mobile wallet will work at every store or terminal.

If you see the contactless symbol on the terminal, you can ask the cashier or simply try your compatible card.

Keeping another payment option available is still a good idea.

8. Convenience stores can also be useful for transportation

Here's another reason travelers often end up visiting convenience stores.

Transportation cards such as Tmoney and EZL can be purchased or reloaded at many convenience stores, depending on the card and location.

That means a convenience store can sometimes be useful before you even buy a snack.

Just be careful with payment rules when buying or reloading transportation cards. They aren't necessarily the same as paying for ordinary convenience-store products, particularly when using a foreign-issued card.

9. So don't think of them as just snack shops

For travelers, Korean convenience stores can be surprisingly practical.

You might walk in for a bottle of water and discover an ATM, basic medicine, transportation card services or something else you needed during the day.

And because convenience stores are so common, learning what you can find inside one can make traveling around Korea a little easier.

Of course, not every store offers exactly the same services.

So if you need something specific, look around the store or ask the staff.

Sometimes one of the most useful places during a trip to Korea is also one of the most ordinary.